Keep your money safe - new draft
There are many ways to manage your money. It is more important than ever to think about protecting yourself and your money.
Money online
Online shopping can be convenient when you don't have the time to get out and about to shop. It's a great way to find a bargain or compare prices to make sure you're getting the best deal. As online shopping increases, so have scam websites. These offer fake or counterfeit goods to get your personal and card details. Moneyhelper has a guide to help you shop online safely. this includes safety tips and what to do if something goes wrong.
Online banking is a secure and convenient way to access your bank's services. Most banks and building societies have "apps" that you can use to keep track of your accounts. You access these using secure log on details or even your own face or fingerprint.
Another benefit is being able to access your accounts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You can stay in control of your finances any time, wherever you are. You still have the option of calling your bank or visiting a branch, unless they are an online provider only. Moneyhelper have a helpful guide about how to stay safe when using online banking.
You might be familiar with online banking. If you have accounts with more than one bank, you might consider open banking. Open banking lets you share your account information through apps and websites to keep track in of them in one place. It's completely secure, and all companies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, to protect you against fraud.
Scams
Be scam aware! As the cost-of-living crisis continues, there have been a lot of changes to government support measures and the way that organisations work. Scammers will always use times of uncertainty to try and trick people into handing over their personal or bank details by pretending to be from trusted organisations. Scams come in many shapes and forms and are always changing. Read details on the most up-to-date scams and fraud.
If in doubt, apply the 'scam' test:
S - Seems too good to be true
C - Contacted out of the blue
A - Asked for personal details
M - Money is requested
Trust your gut. If something doesn't seem genuine, don't be afraid to say no and never hand over your personal or bank details. Scams are getting more and more sophisticated so it can be difficult to know what's genuine. Citizens Advice have a useful tool if you're unsure if something is a scam.
One of the best ways to take a stand against scams is to learn more about them. Become a Friend Against Scams today by completing a short e-learning course. Learn about different types of scams, how to spot a scam victim and how to report them.
The Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline can offer advice if you think you've been the victim of a scam. You can call them on 0808 223 1133 or you can chat with them online.
Loan sharks
Are you worried about loan sharks? Or have you borrowed from a loan shark and not sure what to do? Visit our loan shark information page to find out more.
When making payments
Have you ever used PayPal or Apple/Google Pay? They allow you to make quick payments to friends, family or a business rather than using cash. E-payments are an easy, free way to instantly send money without card details. They are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. You don't have the same level of protection you have when using a card.
Making contactless payments by tapping your card rather than entering your pin, makes life a little easier. The contactless limit is now £100 per transaction for some debit cards. There is a limit of £300 before you need to enter your pin.
While it is convenient, it also makes you more vulnerable to fraud if you lose your card or it's stolen. Many banks give you the option to reduce the contactless limit. Find out if you can change your contactless limit. Learn more about e-payments and contactless.
The link below can also offer help and support for staying safe online:
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